Wisconsin’s pro-business climate is making the state a perfect place to expand or locate a business. A national survey of CEOs in “Chief Executive” magazine ranked Wisconsin as the 24th best state for business, a huge jump from 41st in 2010. The percentage of Wisconsin CEOs who believe the state is on the right track increased to 94% this year.
The Economic and Community Development division makes investments in companies that are expanding operations in Wisconsin. Specifically, WEDC will invest in companies that retain or create family-supporting jobs in the state of Wisconsin. Our Regional Account Managers can help you find the resources that will be the best fit for your type of business or your stage of business growth, whether financial or otherwise.
The Economic and Community Development division also partners with municipal, county, and regional economic development organizations to provide incentives for business expansion and community economic development. Eligible projects include the expansion of jobs, business development, tax base and the reuse of vacant land or building and related activities. Learn more>>>
The Business & Industry team will develop high quality jobs and significant job growth in Wisconsin by advancing targeted, high growth business consortia and industry sectors. This team will focus on advancing industry-led consortia, industry sector associations and special opportunities that have significant potential to create jobs, establish and maintain key competitive advantages for Wisconsin and fundamentally improve the overall economic performance of the state.
The Minority Business Development program is designed to generate and foster the growth of minority businesses in the State of Wisconsin. The WEDC provides services to minority business owners, entrepreneurs, and resource organizations. This includes hosting the Marketplace and the Governor’s Conference on Minority Business Development, the state’s premier event for Minority Business Enterprises to share ideas to generate and foster the growth of minority businesses.
For exporting, the International Development team will work one-on-one with you to assess the demand for Wisconsin-made products outside of the United States and assist you in developing profitable international transactions.
Contact Us
WEDC REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER CONTACTS
Click on this link or the map to the left to locate your Regional Account Manager.
Deb Clements (Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Eau Claire, Forest, Iron, Juneau, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Wood, Vilas)
608-210-6720 Deb.Clements@wedc.org
Patrick Drinan (Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha)
608-210-6770 Patrick.Drinan@wedc.org
Barb Fleisner (Brown, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Oconto, Sheboygan)
608-210-6760 Barb.Fleisner@wedc.org
Mary Gage (Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Sauk)
608-210-6750 Mary.Gage@wedc.org
Melissa Hunt (Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette, Menominee, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago)
608-210-6780 Melissa.Hunt@wedc.org
David Martens (Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Crawford, Dunn, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jackson, La Crosse, Lafayette, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Richland, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Vernon, Washburn)
608-210-6730 David.Martens@wedc.org
Mary E. Perry (Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha)
608-210-6740 Mary.Perry@wedc.org
Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, Vice President, Economic and Community Development
608-210-6838 Brenda.HicksSorenson@wedc.org
WEDC COMMUNITY ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Click on this link or the map to the left to locate your Community Account Manager.
Jason Scott, Community Account Manager Team Leader
608-210-6790 Jason.Scott@wedc.org
Naletta Burr, Community Account Manager
608-210-6830 Naletta.Burr@wedc.org
Jennifer Kuderer, Community Account Manager
608-210-6820 Jennifer.Kuderer@wedc.org
Doug Thurlow, Community Account Manager
608-210-6810 Douglas.Thurlow@wedc.org
MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONTACT
Seyoum Mengesha
608-210-6880 Seyoum.Mengesha@wedc.org
Click here for information regarding Wisconsin’s Minority Business Certification Program.
OTHER RESOURCES
Click here for information regarding the Minority Business Certification Program.
Click here for information regarding the Minority Business Program.
Click here for information regarding the Woman-Owned Business Enterprise Certification.
Click here for informaiton regarding the and the Disabled Veterans Program.